Russia To Join In Space Programme

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29778, 22 March 1962, Page 13

Russia To Join In Space Programme

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) NEW YORK, March 20. The Soviet Union said today it was willing to help create an international communications system using artificial satellites.

The Soviet delegate, Mr Platon Morozov, told the 28nation United Nations committee on peaceful uses of outer space that Russia would “co-operate by deeds” in the committee’s work, the Associated Press reported. He made no specific reference to a reply from the Soviet Prime Minister (Mr Khrushchev) to President Kennedy’s specific proposals for United States-Soviet collaboration. Use of Satellites

Mr Morozov said. Soviet scientists believed space research has reached the stage where artificial satellites eould be used for telecommunications. Soviet scientists would take part in preparing technica’ projects along that line and would submit informa-

tion on communication systems “already in operation.” He said legal bars should be raised to prevent such a system from transmitting “war propaganda or propa gandsi of racial hatred.” Mr ’Morozov spoke also of co-operation in measuring the earth’s magnetic field and the tracking of satellites in orbit.

He expressed willingness also to submit information on Soviet launchings of artificial satellites and rockets. Mr Morozov proposed that international agreement be reached on giving aid to astronauts who might make forced landings on other than their native territory, and that legal agreements be concluded for return of artificial satellites that might come down on the territory of another State. Decision Soon

In Washington, the United Statess Attorney-General (Mr Robert Kennedy) said today that work on a communications satellite system was so advanced that a key decision on its ownership would have to be made very shortly. The first system of communications satellites probably would be orbited next year. Mr Kennedy threw his weight behind Administration proposals for a broad public ownership of a communications system. He said such ownership would ensure fast develop-

ment and widest usage of it, the Associated Press reported. He appeared before the

House of Representatives Commerce Committee to support his brother’s Presidential proposals for a multi-million dollar private corporation to develop and run the space communications system. The communications industry has attacked the proposal and stirred controversy with demands that ownership should be private but limited to companies already in the field of international communications.

The industry's stand has already won considerable support among Senators and Congressmen of both parties “Protection For Public”

Mr Kennedy told the committee: “We believe that the general public, which has made this programme possible through its tax payments, should be given an opportunity to invest and that that investment will protect the public interest.” It was essential, he said, that “we do not turn this corporation over to a select few companies.” The Administration proposals, contained in a bill now being considered by the committee, envisage a privately - owned corporation which would own and operate the United States section of a global communications system using satellites as radio relay stations.